Tag: Proof-Proximity Principle

The proof-proximity principle allocates the evidential burden of proof on the party to whom the evidence is available or who is better situated to easily and promptly lead it.

Italy vs Ferrari SpA, September 2022, Supreme Court, Case No 26695/2022 and 26698/2022

Italy vs Ferrari SpA, September 2022, Supreme Court, Case No 26695/2022 and 26698/2022

In February 2016 the Regional Tax Commission rejected an appeal filed by the Revenue Agency against the first instance judgment, which had upheld an appeal brought by Italian car manufacturer, Ferrari S.p.A. against a notice of assessment issued by the Revenue Agency in which the company was accused of having applied prices lower than the ‘normal value’ in transactions with its foreign subsidiaries, in particular with the US company Ferrari NA (North America). In determining the arm’s length price of the relevant controlled transactions Ferrari had applied the CUP method. The Revenue Agency considered the TNMM to be the most appropriate method. The Regional Tax Commission observed that “for verifying the “normal value”, the Revenue Agency itself, in Circular No. 32 of 22/09/1980, had suggested the use of the CUP method instead of the less reliable TNMM method “which is not advisable due to its considerable approximation and arbitrariness’ for which reason the Office’s objection must be considered inadmissible”. On ... Read more
Latvia vs SIA Severstal Distribution, December 2021, Administrative Court of Appeal, Case No A420576312, SKA-314/2021

Latvia vs SIA Severstal Distribution, December 2021, Administrative Court of Appeal, Case No A420576312, SKA-314/2021

The Revenue Service had audited Severstal Distribution for FY 2008-2009 and found that the company had purchased metal products from related companies at prices above market prices. An assessment was issued where reported losses for 2009 were reduced. During the audit, Severstal Distribution indicated to the tax authorities that it had used the transactional net margin method to determine the price of its controlled transactions. However, later the company also stated that it had used the CUP method (quated steel prices from the SBB database). Severstal Distribution Ltd filed an appeal with the Administrative Regional Court. In a decision of 2019 the appeal was dismissed and the assessment of additional income upheld. An appeal was then filed by Severstal Distribution Ltd with the Administrative Court of Appeal. The issue to be examined by the Administrative Court of Appeal was whether the Revenue Service correctly determined Severstal Distribution’s income subject to corporate income tax by applying the arm’s length provisions in ... Read more
Italy vs Enoplastic SpA, June 2021, Supreme Administrative Court, Case No 15906/2021

Italy vs Enoplastic SpA, June 2021, Supreme Administrative Court, Case No 15906/2021

Enoplastic SpA is engaged in production of closures for vine, spirits, oil and vinegars. Following an audit an assessment was issued by the tax authorities regarding transfer pricing. An appeal was filed by Enoplastic and the Regional Court later set aside the assessment stating that the tax authorities had not proved the existence of a tax advantage nor that the pricing determined by Enoplastic had not been at arm’s length. An appeal was then filed by the tax authorities claiming that the burden of proof was on Enoplastic due to the principle of proximity of evidence and that transfer pricing adjustments was not premised on proof of an intention to obtain tax savings. Judgement of the Supreme Court The Supreme Court upheld the decision to set aside the tax assessment. However, the basis on which the decision of Regional Court had been issued was incorrect. According to the Supreme Court transfer pricing adjustments should not be confused with tax fraud ... Read more
New German Administrative Ordinance on transfer pricing issues AO 2020, DOK 2020/1174240

New German Administrative Ordinance on transfer pricing issues AO 2020, DOK 2020/1174240

In december 2020 the Federal Ministry of Finance in German issued a new administrative ordinance related to various transfer pricing issues. Among the issues are enhanced requirement to cooperate and submit additional documentation related to controlled transactions, but most notable may be the conditions under which estimated tax assessments can be issued. Below is an unofficial translation of the document. Click here for the original document  2020-12-03-Verwaltungsgrundsaetze-2020-Unofficial-Eng-transnw (1) ... Read more